Every homeowner with indoor plumbing will, at some point, experience a slow drain or a clogged toilet. Even with regular maintenance, drains can become obstructed by grease, food scraps, hair, soap scum, and other debris. While minor clogs can usually be dealt with using a plunger or over-the-counter drain cleaners, some situations require the expertise of a professional plumber.

Here’s how you can tell when it’s time to call Blau Sudden Service for expert help with your drains.

Slow Drains

One of the first signs that you may need professional drain cleaning is slow drainage. If you notice water taking longer than usual to drain from your sink, shower, or bathtub, it’s likely a sign of a developing clog within your pipes. While minor build-up can sometimes be cleared with a plunger, if the drainage issue persists or impacts multiple drains, there may be a more significant clog deep within the plumbing that requires professional attention.

Recurring Clogs

Constantly dealing with clogged drains is another red flag that your home needs expert cleaning. While occasional clogs can be fixed with a drain snake or chemical cleaner, frequent blockages typically indicate a deeper issue, like grease accumulation, soap scum, or even tree root intrusion. DIY methods may offer temporary relief, but repeated clogs can require professional cleaning to tackle the root cause and restore the proper flow.

Unpleasant Odors

Bad smells coming from your drains are a sure sign that there’s an issue within your pipes. Persistent odors can result from decaying food, hair, or organic matter trapped inside the drain system. As this material decomposes, it can foster bacterial growth, leading to foul odors. Professional plumbers have the tools and techniques to thoroughly clean your pipes and eliminate the source of the smell.

Gurgling or Bubbling Noises

Have you noticed gurgling or bubbling noises coming from your drains or toilets? These sounds often indicate trapped air within your pipes, typically caused by a clog. As water struggles to flow through the pipes, air bubbles are forced upward, creating a gurgling sound. If you’re hearing this noise regularly, it could point to a larger obstruction in your plumbing that needs to be professionally cleaned to restore proper water flow.

Multiple Drains Are Clogged

If more than one drain is clogged or draining slowly, it’s likely that the issue lies deeper in the plumbing system—possibly in the main sewer line. Blockages in the main sewer line can disrupt drainage throughout your home, affecting several fixtures. Tree roots, grease buildup, or other obstructions could be the cause, and these issues are best handled by a professional plumber who can perform an in-depth cleaning to fix the problem.

Water Backups

Water backing up through your drains is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. This can happen when a major blockage obstructs the flow of water through your pipes. If the blockage is severe, it can lead to sewage backups, which are not only unpleasant but also unsanitary and potentially damaging to your home.

DIY Methods Haven’t Worked

If you’ve tried DIY methods like plunging, using a drain snake, or relying on store-bought cleaners without success, it’s time to call Blau Sudden Service. Our licensed and experienced plumbers have a variety of specialized equipment at their disposal, such as hydro-jetting and camera inspections that can thoroughly clean your pipes and pinpoint the exact cause of the problem.